There are over 3,000 species of mosquitoes found throughout the world. In the United States alone, there are more than 175 different species. Not all of them are bloodsucking, virus-spreading nuisances. However, the ones that are are the ones that we have to protect against.
Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale and the heat from our bodies. They can detect us from up to 50 yards away. Once a mosquito finds a potential victim, it’ll land and start enjoying its meal.
So, how can you protect yourself from mosquitoes? One of the most efficient methods is to install a misting system that can kill mosquitoes on contact at specific intervals. However, this method will also kill pollinators and harmless insects as collateral. That’s why you also want to use alternative methods alongside those we have here at Texan Mosquito Systems.
Natural Ways to Prevent Mosquitoes & Staying Inside
You can do a few things to protect yourself against mosquitoes. Use mosquito repellent while you’re outdoors, especially during peak mosquito hours. If possible, you should wear long sleeves and pants in lighter colors. However, this method will only protect against a few lone mosquitoes and not against a swarm.
We have a few methods and services to control the mosquito population without resorting to pesticides. The first one is to make sure there is no standing water around your home. Standing water around the home can attract a swarm of mosquitoes. These pools of water, whether small or large, can provide a breeding ground for mold, harmful bacteria, and mosquitoes.
A few things you can do to prevent standing water include the following:
- Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear and in good condition.
- Ensure your property slopes away from your foundation.
- Empty out containers, such as flower pots, cans, unused tires, or birdbaths regularly.
- Wipe down birdbaths and basins even when it’s dry because mosquito eggs can survive even without water for a while.
Of course, you can use mosquito traps. There is a wide range of traps available that can attract and capture mosquitoes. One popular trap is the electric trap. This type of trap lures mosquitoes in with a light and then electrocutes them when they get too close.
Other traps use a fan to draw mosquitoes in and trap them on a sticky surface. You can choose several varieties to ensure efficiency.
Controlling the Mosquito Population
Technically, you only have control of the area within your yard or property. There’s no method that’ll work like a miracle and make your area a mosquito-free zone. By using multiple methods together, you can drastically reduce the chances of mosquitoes bothering you while you’re enjoying the fresh air in your little corner of the world.
Using misting systems can kill friendly insects such as butterflies and bees. However, sometimes, the mosquitoes might make a run of your outdoor time if you don’t do something about it. When you’re thinking of an efficient misting system, contact our team at Texan Mosquito Systems. We’re based in Houston, but we have locations up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area as well.